These poems were sent by visitors to my website BeyondtheVeil.net to post on the site between 1996-2016. They are reproduced here exactly as they were received without any editing by me. As a gift, visitors may download the PDF file by clicking on the link below. ~Diane Goble 4/2018.
Memorial Poems from the Heart
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You Didn’t Hear “I Love You”
I never saw your smile
or the color of your eyes.
I never heard your laughter
and I never heard your cries.
You never felt my kisses
upon your cheek and nose.
Or tickles underneath your chin
and on your little toes.
You didn’t hear, “I Love You”
and you didn’t see me weep,
for your spirit left your body
and you were born asleep.
But there’ll be a time, my baby,
when in death, my eyes close too.
and I know that when they open
I’ll awaken there with you.
©Ron Tranmer
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We Will Meet Again
In loving memory of Achan…
Bright as the sun, elegant you were
Every smile took away our worries
But yet when i look back i smile
Its smile u of loong gone days
Days i would always want to go back
Days i would hear ur funny jokes
But now its tears u are leaving me with
Its too soon, too soon
You gave us love, caring n always on our side
You taught us everything to smile about
But too sad you forgot
You should have taught us to say goodbye
You have been my family
But now u av run away
Why..why…why now x-(
Where have we gone wrong
Why are you inviscible now
You are long gone..i call ur name
but u are nowhere
Ur memories is tumour in my head
Its the memories of happy days
Now its gone…ur voice, ur eyes
I cant hear u calling, where are yu
You come in vision, pliz dont go
I ask God to bring you bak
But he promises light ahead
I know i will see you again
At the end of my tunnel am on my way there
And i will meet you..and i will see you again
But now i have to gather myself
I have to let you go…prepare our room
And tell mum am still Hers
Tell her i will see her again
When time comes we will all celebrate together
But its not yet
Goodbye sister, goodbye mum
You will always be in our hearts.
~ Kelvin Onchor
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An Angel Above
A contagious laugh and a smile so bright
You were so beautiful in everyone’s sight
The number of lives you touched was so great
How the day I will see you again I long to await
My heart aches in loneliness and pain
But yet in my heart you do remain
Cherished are the memories I have of you
Oh how I wish this were not true
But as stars will continue to shine and the moon will glow
My love for you will always show
An angel came down and took you by the hand
It may be many years until we understand
You were flown to heaven to be with Matthew, your son
And now your eternal life with God has begun
My only wish is that I had more time to spend with you
But I know Matthew needs you too
Difficult are the days ahead
But “Make hay while the sun shines” was a quote you always said
“Only the GOOD die young”
Are the words Billy Joel sung
He said it so right, he said it so true
“Butterfly Kisses” are what I leave with you
~Emily Guldan
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Mommy
Once near
Once here
Never to far
Always my star
Shining so bright
My lovely delight
Shared all your thoughts
Giving us a spot
Never loved us less
Did your very best
I need you now
More than ever
Forever ill remember
You’re my only mother
I see you in my dreams at night
As an angel with a ball of light
I lost you mom but gained you still
My guardian angel to keep me well
I miss your warmth oh heaven knows
To keep me sane and more so
Your kindred spirit was needed it seems
So well your there remember me please
Ill love you always
As you know
To the moon and back forever more
My one and only. Mommy.
(poem 1)
My Beloved Mother
I never realized how much I want and need you
So many things we didn’t get to do
The laughter
The cries
The no goodbyes
I know you’re happy as can be
With the lord all mighty pain free
Just remember I love you ma eternally with every ounce of all of me
I think of you now everyday since the day you passed away
I grieve the love no longer felt as emptiness fills my heart
My angel you are and will always be
The best living part of me
Until that day we meet again
Ill do everything I forever can
I say now a final goodbye to the one and only mother of mine.
I love you to the moon and back and don’t you ever forget that
~Carolina Muraca Dennis
12-29-1957 – 01-21-2014
(Poem 2)
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Rest in peace, Mom
You weren’t a saint but you were extremely close.
Out of all of the people on Earth, I’ve always loved you the most.
It will be very painful as they lower you into the ground.
Life will never be the same because you’re no longer around.
You were a wonderful human being and a terrific mother too.
Your family and friends will always love you.
You were so sweet and kind that you should’ve been given a humanitarian award.
The people in Heaven are happy because you’re there and so is the Lord.
You’re in a better place and that makes your friends and family glad.
But as people see the tears rolling down my cheeks, they know that I’m so sad.
You were one fantastic lady, you were truly one of a kind.
Knowing that Heaven is your new home gives us peace of mind.
From time to time I wasn’t the ideal son and that’s something I regret.
You gave me life, love and happiness and that’s something I’ll never forget.
It hurts very much because you are deceased.
Everybody loves you Mom, may you rest in peace.
(Dedicated to Agnes Johnson who passed away March 6, 2013.) (1948-2013)
~Randy Johnson
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Dear Nan
Christmas won’t be the same this year,
And our table won’t be complete
For we have lost a loved one so dear,
And there will be an empty seat.
We always thought that she would stay here,
But sadly that wasn’t meant to be.
She flew up to heaven, without a tear,
And softly whispered goodbye to me.
She said don’t be sad on Christmas Day,
For in your heart you’ll see.
That angels are never very far away,
We’re not just decorations on a tree.
All I ask is that you do not grieve,
And that your day is filled with love.
For the greatest gift you will receive,
Is a heavenly visit from above.
~Merry Christmas, Katy
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Death of my true love
Why did you go so soon and leave me here alone
I know it was out of your control it wasn’t on your own
My love for you is so strong
Without you I can’t move on
Your the only one in my mind
Everyone else is in a bind
Please tell me you care one last time
I want to feel your skin pressed against mine
Can’t wait to see you I will always be there
To really show you how much I care
You said I was your angel no matter what happens
Well I wish you were here to tell me more
I love you so much
You’re all I adore
~Artavier Christian
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You Died Yesterday
You died yesterday
And I knew it would come, this day
But why so soon, why have I no say
What will you do, what will you make
On this new journey you now take
You died yesterday
I watched you struggle, I watched you weep
I watched you laugh, I watched you shriek
I watched you sing, I watched you reap
The benefit of a long earned sleep
You died yesterday
And as I looked out the window, I wondered
Why everything looked the same, nothing asunder
But inside everything felt broken and plundered
The world less vibrant and full of blunder
You died yesterday
So today I will weep, and tomorrow I will grieve
And each day forward I will try to achieve
The life full of laughter and love you believed
Was yours to give and mine to receive
~Terry Hull
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Everyday Goes By
Everyday goes by but still all I do is lie in bed and cry.
For weeks you have been sick and somehow managed to be strong through it.
Was it because you were trying to be strong for the family?
Through weeks I saw you suffer DADDY and there was nothing I could do,
oh how I wish I could have taken your pain away from you.
When you were at hospital and I saw you hooked up in so many machines
I could see that you hurting your pain and suffering was also hurting me.
I LOVE U SO MUCH AND I WILL ALWAYS MISS AND REMEMBER YOU.
~Charity Khumalo
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The Inevitable Dream
Last night I dreamt
You hadn’t actually died
Which made me happy.
We hugged and cried,
Feeling glad we had
Another chance.
Then suddenly I woke up,
And it was sad
To realize it was Just a dream.
But soon I woke up again,
And I felt glad
To realize it wasn’t
Really just a dream
Because there is really no death.
It’s simply a transition,
So there will be a time
When we will be
Together the way we were
As it occurred
Last night
In my slumbering mind,
When it’s time.
~Jean Soohoo
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Our Dad
When your loving heart stopped beating,
We were gathered round you weeping.
No wishes for you to stay,
To watch you weaken day by day.
We could all see quite clearly,
Though such courage, your body weary.
Once a man so lithe and strong,
Letting you go couldn’t be wrong.
Though the pain cuts very deep,
Many tears we’ve yet to weep.
Thank god we were all there that day,
And Surrounded by our love you slipped away.
With perfect peace and such calm,
This will be our healing balm.
~Lorraine Hickinson
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Dear Mom
It’s been many years since you passed,
23 to be exact,
That you left this world for a better,
Still i sense you in every act.
Your birthday is nearing closer,
On the day before Christ’s birth,
I wish I could see you in person,
But your presence is not of this earth.
Still I hear you when you speak,
Feel you near me as my guide,
The sound of my very heartbeat,
Reminds me you’re at my side.
So I wish you a Happy Birthday,
A birthday of your rebirth,
As you sit at the foot of God,
Ensuring my peace on earth.
In Memory of Margaret Marie Marusich Hubbell 12/24/1929 – 8/24/1987
Love you and miss you… Your Son,
Paul
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Hey Grandpa Charlie
When I close my eyes, I think of you
And now I know your up there in the sky
That’s why its so blue
But you should know that if I cry
Its because I love you
We all know that you are gone
But really your just being born
Because from here to thereon
You are being recreated in heaven
I promise they will take good care of you and
I will have it be known of what I’ve sworn
Because I love you
The angels will take care of you
But you will take care of him, her, and me
As you watch our daily lives and help us through
That’s just how it will be
And we will always be thinking about you
Because we love you
You’re not just a memory
You’re a spirit inside all of us
So vibrantly alive
And you will continue to thrive
Until we meet again in that place that seems so distant
But I know its existent
Because God loves us
You fought your fight
You won your battles
But this time God has other plans to make it all right
So just follow that bright light
And it will all be okay because
You are just saving us a seat
Because you love us
Your Granddaughter,
River
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In Loving Memory of our Precious Brother Robby
Brother, I think about you all the time,
And wonderful memories you left behind
Your great intentions and precious heart,
And I know at the end of the day,
We are very close and not far apart
Brother, although we are separated through time
And space our souls will connect in another place,
You will be the one to guide me in,
And to comfort me in the end.
With your souls progression
and High level of spirituality,
Your goodness and kindness
Will be my reality.
Brother, I saw a vision
That was revealed to me
With God’s permission,
You were soaring with Angles
And protected by the almighty’s hand,
This opened up to me
In an unfamiliar land.
Brother, the spirit world
Is a glorious place,
And I see you filled with joy, love
Happiness and grace. S
o brother, until we meet again
I will love you forever and
Always to the end.
~Lisa Franklin
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Dreamless Nights, Endless Days
Your absence has left me full of endless days.
Like the much dreaded heat and the Eastern Shore haze.
The toying, the strings; on this ride, I remain.
Leaves me feeling at times, that I’m going insane.
It’s the ride from Hell, where I feel I will stay.
But, it was all in the cards and to Jesus, I pray.
That this strength and this grace that so few possess.
Will help carry me through this difficult process.
The love that we have is boundless and strong.
And you are still by my side where you will always belong.
Your wisdom is by far the most one could imagine.
For your keen eye could always see beyond the horizon.
You taught us all how to love and be happy.
It doesn’t take much, live it simple, live it free!
We’re all here for a while, or a lifetime, a season.
And we both know Everything Happens For a Reason.
I feel that in time, this heartache will subside.
Until then, my love, just know of the pride.
That you filled my life with while you were still here.
And that in my heart, I will always hold you dear.
I pray to God and ask him to see me through.
These dreamless nights and endless days, until again, I can be with you.
~Marcy Harper
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Be at peace my lovely son
On the 2nd of June 2010 you took your life
You could no longer cope with all the strife
Although there was help and support for you
You chose to do what you did do
For many years you came to me
When your way in life you could not see
I supported you when things got tough
And your path in life felt very rough
No matter what your troubles were
I was always your sword and armour
I protected you no matter what
Tell me son, had you forgot?
Although sometimes we fought a lot
You were my son; I never forgot
I was always there when you needed me
When life for you was not so easy
When you felt such deep despair
Did you think no one would care
Did you think no one would heed
Or turn their backs in your time of need
You were wrong my son, we loved you so
Don’t say to me you did not know
We were there, you should have said
And to your side we would have tread
Your problems you should have shared
We would have helped because we cared
We would have helped if we had known
But your fears or worries were never shown
To the outside world you wore a mask
Which we now know was a farce
You cracked your jokes, you gave a grin
Belying the sadness that was within
Why oh why did you fail to see
All you had to do was contact me
As always I was there for you
And would have come to your rescue
Instead Adrian you chose to die
And left me here to sit and cry
The pain I feel is hard to bear
And in my mind I see you there
I feel your fear and your despair
As you make efforts to prepare
To leave this life you so did love
And fly to clouds up above
Be at peace my lovely son
Your spiritual life has just begun
There will be a time when we meet again
Meanwhile my son, I’ll say Amen
~Ann Bedford
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To My Grandpa
Oh you fought to the end of your devastating battle.
My heart aches that you are no longer here with us today.
Everyday I look outside and see the birds fly beneath the clouds,
I believe it’s the path to heaven.
I miss you grandpa.
Life’s a journey.
Life’s a battle.
Nobody ever said life was going to be easy.
Grandpa you don’t know,
How much I wish you were here with us today.
I don’t really know much about you,
But I heard so much.
You were a brave man you fought to the end.
I love you grandpa.
Your granddaughter,
Alyssa
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Forever and Ever We Love You
Oh how i miss u
wish you could come back to
a time we both knew
just me and you
oh how i wish you knew how much me and your baby need you
want to greet daddy when he comes through
the door, a smiling face i will see no more
one your daughter never had a chance to adore
oh how i wish you could come home
just a hug could make me feel like i was never alone
how your death has me blown
oh how i wish you knew how nothing in my life will ever be the same
the thought of hearing your name
and all the great memories it brings
oh how i wish u knew how bad i want to be beside you
yes i realize how hard you tried to provide
how i wish you knew how long this poem could go on
so much i miss
but God has blessed me with our baby to hold and kiss.
I know your daughter will be so amazing like you and she is truly your dream come true.
Forever and ever Mr.Dorsey we love you.
~Clara Thompson
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The Crying Marine
They always say when you meet a person & share hands you look into each others eyes…eyes don’t lie.
Next time you share the hand of a MARINE -thank him or her & look into those eyes..”CRYING MARINE EYES DON’T LIE”
You don’t need “to know” just “know” those eyes saw more than we could ever imagine or want to know.
Say “THANK YOU & I’M PROUD OF YOU” & watch that “LIGHT” of life come back!!
Our MARINES are trained to be kickass, when at war & what they see sometimes kicks their ass & soul.
They serve & die for us. We at the minimum could say thank you & bring them up!!
Husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, have all had to adapt to “the crying Marine,”
why can’t we as a civilized country & community do the same?!
THIS POEM IS DEDICATED TO: MY SON, JORDAN L.QUINNELL AND HIS UNIT 3/3 COMM PLT. KANEOHE BAY,HI SEMPER-FI
~Julie L. Machtan
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To My Knight in Shining Armour
Although I hid behind my smile
Those that love me saw straight through
That where once loves resides
There is no longer you
Not long before you left
You opened your eyes in such sorrow
In disbelief you cried for me
For the time I had to borrow
I heard my guides my darling
As I have always done
And brought you to your fruition
So your song was sung
In the mirror I saw you
I told you I would understand
And with my heart still aching
Your Angel took you by the hand
I know you would have waited
Until the end of time
But I could not leave you
In the place between heaven and mine
For true love is to let go
So I put my faith in you
For you can see beyond the light
There is more for me to do
You send me rainbows to remind me
That the storms will always clear
That you are there beside me
Therefore there is nothing I should fear
I know I haven’t lost you
Your just in a different space
When I rest my head you hold my hand
And place a tender kiss on my face
You have to keep reminding me
That we will meet again
Although this only just helps
To lessen all the pain
The many times that we were one
Only now I know why
So you would live on in my heart and all I do
In this you never die
Once our heart did beat as one
Now mine beats for you
To show the world just who we are
And continue what we do
I know you stroke my hair
And hold me in the night
It’s your smile I long to see
And your eyes that are out of sight
I got your message loud and clear
The universe is where it should be
For time waits for no one soul
Forget not we are bound for eternity
As the sun will always rise
So the sun shall set
To my knight in shinning armour
Your Princess you have met
No regrets fill my past
That you know is true
For I love you with all my heart
And I know you love me too….
~Gordana
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How often I think of you
its surprising how often i think of you
turn to speak to you
and realize your not right there as i expect you to be
i guess i hold you so close in thought that its hard.
To understand sometimes that your aren’t close in person
but i wanted to let you know
I’m thinking of you
and wishing i could talk
and just be together a while
YOU’RE REALLY MISSED!
~Ebony Myers
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Pray God in Heaven
Please hear my prayer,
Please guide our Katrina
With loving care
Please be a good shepherd
And don’t leave her alone,
Love Katrina in Heaven
As we do at home.
God Bless You, Katrina
~Iris Mckeown
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I Want to be Normal Again
Feeling so lost and all alone
I want to bury all the memories
Leave no trace that you ever existed
Maybe then I could sleep at night
Maybe then my eyes will be free…
From all the tears
Don’t want to have to drag this pain with me
Everywhere I go …
I want to be normal again
But everywhere I look is a reminder of you
Of us, of everything we shared.
Why can’t I let you go?
Let your spirit rein
Why cant I smile in reminisce
The scar is too deep
And the emptiness makes me cold
I to feel like I have gone…
Into another world
A world where happiness
Is an obstacle
Laughter a challenge
And complete is almost impossible…
If only I could go on without the thought of you…
Maybe then ill feel what peace is like again!
~Cashca Viljoen
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I Wish
I wish you hadn’t died, but you did.
You, who taught me how to live,
Who taught me what safety was
And who showed me how to love.
I wish you hadn’t had to die…
You could be here with me now,
Talking, laughing, crying with me,
Sharing everything life throws our way,
Enjoying each other.
You showed me what love is,
Your affection never dimmed.
You modelled generosity,
Your spirit lives on…
And my heart remembers.
You took so damned long to die
And I was so weary of it,
But my grief has never let up.
I miss you every day,
Because you left me behind.
There isn’t a day that I don’t think about you,
That I don’t wonder where you are,
Or how you would look if you were here?
Would your tastes be the same, all these years on?
Would you still enjoy life the same way you did,
Or would age and pain have changed you,
The way they have changed me?
I wish you hadn’t died when you did.
I love you beyond measure.
If you were here, this aching might leave me,
I might have a hand to hold,
The real presence of a love so strong, so powerful
That death cannot separate, nor separation dilute.
You may be lost to me in this world,
But you are always with me.
I find you in the things that even death cannot steal.
No, my dearest one,
Your memory will not lie down and be forgotten –
And I will never lie down and forget.
~Laura Franchi (10/6/’97)
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The Bell of Mindfulness
The bell of mindfulness
rings.
We stop, we breathe.
The clear, true tone fills the house.
Drifting down from the meditation loft,
Carried on morning light,
It touches our broken hearts.
Our beloved one is passing,
Soon to breathe no more.
Outside the rain falls
Watering bright summer flowers.
This is such a day and such an hour.
We see the flower petals, glistening wet,
Wet as the tears upon our faces.
The great world of ONE LIFE is floating away.
Our fragile boat rocks upon an ocean of suffering.
We are adrift.
Where is our compass and our guiding star?
The bell of mindfulness rings.
We stop, we breathe.
The love that fills our aching hearts
Is boundless as a great ocean.
Our beloved one
Can still hear the bell in this hour.
There is time for a touch, a meeting of eyes, a word.
Life has become the precious treasure
It has always been.
But in this moment we fully arrive to greet it,
To hear the clear tone of the breathing bell.
Breathing is now,
The rain is now, our love is now.
Our tiny boat of awareness
Rocks safely in the Ocean of Great Loss,
In the Ocean of Great Love.
We stop, we breathe,
Bowing to what is true.
~Patricia Webb
July 2009
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God’s Will
Not by choice but by God’s Will
We’ve been left with memories that will only fill
A part of us that’s left behind
Like dust in the wind and soon to find
That although we have faith, the day has come
That this dream is real and we’re no longer numb
The presence of what I know in my heart
Will keep us together, never to part
Your smile has graced us to no end
A time for all of us to begin
Laughing, loving, caring for each
We no longer search, it’s within our reach
You have blessed us all with something we lack
We will learn from you and always look back
God’s Will has left us with a part of you
That will grace each day with a morning dew
To wake up to butterflies fluttering about
And the knowledge that we are not without
Your smile, your laughter, your love, your appeal
This, my dear, must be God’s Will.
~Marcy Harper
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Don’t Tell Me…
Don’t tell me that you understand; don’t tell me that you know,
Don’t tell me that I will survive, how I will surely grow.
Don’t tell me this is just a test, that I am truly blessed,
That I am chosen for this task, apart from all the rest.
Don’t come at me with answers that can only come from me,
Don’t tell me how my grief will pass, that I will soon be free.
Don’t stand in pious judgment of the bonds I must untie,
Don’t tell me how to suffer, don’t tell me how to cry.
My life is filled with selfishness, my pain is all I see,
But I need you, I need your love, unconditionally.
Accept me in my ups and downs, I need someone to share,
Just hold my hand and let me cry, and say,
“My friend, I really do care.”
Author Unknown
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Angels Are Real
Where are you my Precious one i long to see your face?
I need to kiss and hold you and never let you go.
I cannot understand why someone so precious had to die.
My heart it has stopped beating i dont feel it anymore.
Why my God did you take my little girl so soon?
Have i done something wrong to deserve this terrible pain?
I know that you have took her back to take her pain away.
Yet i know she did not want to die her time was far too soon.
She fought this terrible disease every single minute of the day
And even when she was in pain she still had time to say
“I Love You All So Very Much”
My anger keeps me going its the only strength i have.
Knowing that my angel was robbed of everything.
She had everything to Live for 13 Years was not enough.
And so i hope you understand why i sometimes question my faith.
I wake up every morning hopeing it was all a bad dream.
Hopeing that she’ll walk through the door and cuddle me once more.
I know its my turn now to fight and find the truth.
Why my Precious Daughter should never have left us that day.
You died on valentines day making you one very special angel.
And so from now on that day will always be called (Emmas Day).
So every night even though i cant see you, i hold and kiss your picture.
Remember that my love for you is stronger everyday.
For everytime i lay down on my pillow i know you are next to me .
Your arms wrapped around me wiping away my tears.
~Written For Emma Jane Porter 19/11/93-14/2/07
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How We Survive
If we are fortunate,
we are given a warning.
If not,
there is only the sudden horror,
the wrench of being torn apart;
of being reminded
that nothing is permanent,
not even the ones we love,
the ones our lives revolve around.
Life is a fragile affair.
We are all dancing
on the edge of a precipice,
a dizzying cliff so high
we can’t see the bottom.
One by one,
we lose those we love most
into the dark ravine.
So we must cherish them
without reservation.
Now.
Today.
This minute.
We will lose them
or they will lose us someday.
This is certain.
There is no time for bickering.
And their loss
will leave a great pit in our hearts;
a pit we struggle to avoid
during the day
and fall into at night.
Some,
unable to accept this loss,
unable to determine
the worth of life without them,
jump into that black pit
spiritually or physically,
hoping to find them there.
And some survive
the shock,
the denial,
the horror,
the bargaining,
the barren, empty aching,
the unanswered prayers,
the sleepless nights
when their breath is crushed
under the weight of silence
and all that it means.
Somehow, some survive all that and,
like a flower opening after a storm,
they slowly begin to remember
the one they lost
in a different way…
The laughter,
the irrepressible spirit, t
he generous heart,
the way their smile made them feel,
the encouragement they gave
even as their own dreams were dying.
And in time, they fill the pit
with other memories
the only memories that really matter.
We will still cry.
We will always cry.
But with loving reflection
more than hopeless longing.
And that is how we survive.
That is how the story should end.
That is how they would want it to be.
~Mark Rickerby
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Poochie (On Second Thought)
At first it seems sad that Poochie has passed on,
And that he died young,
But on second thought I’m glad that
Poochie’s now resting in peace.
It seems sad that Poochie,
who was so dear to me,
Is no longer here with me,
But on second thought I’m glad that
Poochie’s resting in peace.
It seems sad that
So early Poochie lost his life
And that I lost Poochie,
But on second thought…
Loving and losing is lovelier
Than having never loved at all.
Since Poochie loved me,
And I cared for him in return,
I gave Poochie one loving experience
That’s worth a long lifetime,
And Poochie gave me a special gift
Worth a long lifetime.
It’s not how long but how much
One lives, after all,
That makes life complete.
If one dies with love embedded in the heart,
Life is not too short,
For life has been lived.
And so again on second thought,
Poochie’s lived a precious and fulfilled life
Which makes sense that
He’s now resting in peace surrounded by love.
~ Jean Soohoo, a.k.a. Boo-boo For Roger B. Speir, a.k.a. Poochie
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Father’s Day
When I think of Father’s Day
In many ways, it makes me very sad
While you are gone, the holiday is still around
All the cakes, the picnics, the cards, all the things I am missing out of
All my Fathers Day favorites have been taken away
I go to the cemetary, and talk to your grave
And I feel so very all alone
I took for granted so many things
So many things I can never do or say
But I’m greatful for the years we had
And I’m proud to say, “You’re the best Dad!”
~Tina Manee-Albrecht
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I AM
I am calm and quiet.
I wonder what is happening.
I hear my nan singing.
I see her at heavens gates, waiting .
I want my grandmother back .
I am calm and quiet .
I pretend my nan is still here .
I feel her soft hair .
I touch her hair , and drag my fingers through it .
I worry that she gets lonely .
I cry because she is gone .
I am calm and quiet .
I understand that she is gone .
I say its hard to believe .
I dream that she is still here .
I try to understand shes not .
I hope i’ll see her again .
I am calm and quiet .
I am your grandaughter .
~sydney jarvis
I wrote this for my grandmother after she passed away on october 7th 2007. In loving memory of Margaret E Campbell . 1941 – 2007
________________________________________________________________________
You are my Father
I will not look at this as a goodbye.
I will not allow the sorrow of this event to destroy me.
I will embrace what you have taught me through the
years and carry that with me.
You have not died. You will forever be a part of my life,
and through me you will forever be a part of my
children’s as well. We are your legacy.
I am proud to have had you in their lives.
I hope they inherit your charm, your good nature, and your
charisma. I know with your influence they will grow to
become good men.
You have raised me to the best of your ability
and for that I want to thank you.
Thank you for being kind, thank you for being stronger than
you know, and most of all, thank you for loving us.
You have inspired me to live life to the fullest,
and never back down. I will not be taken over by the anger
and frustration of your loss.
Instead, I will remember the days when I was young
and you were my hero.
I will see you in my dreams.
There you will forever be healthy and strong.
In time, I hope to embrace your freedom, freedom from the
pain, and freedom from the weight of your illness.
Sorrow is inevitable, but I will face this with the same
courage you did, because I am you, and you are my Father.
Always your daughter,
~Candice
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To my sister, from heaven
I just wanted you to know.
That I’ll be with you wherever you go.
I’ve gotten my wings and learned how to fly.
And I’ll dry your tears whenever you cry.
Though I’ve went away and it seems we’re apart.
You will forever be my soul and my heart.
The love that we shared will not go astray.
For deep in my heart it will always stay.
You held me close when I was filled with pain.
And your smile gave me sunshine when my life filled with rain.
You guided me when no one else could.
You protected me when no one else would.
We’ve shared so much that mere words can’t express
how knowing you has made me feel truly blessed.
So please dear sister, fret not for me, for now my soul is truly free.
So think of me often, as much as you can.
And I’ll always be there to hold your hand.
I’ll be your angel and guide you through life.
I’ll give you comfort through torment and strife.
So thanks dear sister again and again,
thank you always for being my sister and my friend.
~Reginald Bush
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Yesterday
I wish for one more day
Now that you’re gone
To thank you
To see your beautiful face one more minute
To be able to call you mom
Now that you’re gone
One more meal
One last car ride
One last see you later
Last night I saw you
Wishing that it was real
Not believing that only in my heart
Is where I can see you
It is so hard to realize
That this is now our reality
But you left us in a good place
Together we are all still
Now that you’re gone
You will remain in our hearts
Till the day we are together again
~Philip
Inspired by a dream A dream that should have been real
________________________________________________________________________
Nature’s Wonders
Have you ever wondered what makes the wind blow?
Could it be our loved ones blowing us a kiss?
Have you ever wondered what makes the stars shine?
Is it our loved ones keeping watch over us while we sleep?
Have you ever wondered what makes the skies cry?
Could it be our loved ones missing us?
Have you ever wondered what makes the sun shine?
Is it our loved ones giving us a warm hug?
Have you ever wondered what makes the ocean waves come pounding to shore?
Could it be our loved ones wanting to touch us once more?
There are so many of natures wonders and do we really know why?
Is there a higher power
making sure we always remember the loved one we’ve lost and shall never forget.
~For Brandon from Lisa
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My Spirit Will Always Find Yours
In the twilight of my life
when I’m closer to the end
than the beginning
sadness, the pain of learning
the illusions of what I could and should
have been
could and should have done
have all melted away
and I’m left here
with nothing
but the reality of who I am
and here I’ve found you once again.
In our embrace we’re children
who’ve walked the journey of discovery
through the darkness to the light
across the lifetimes
where we fought and died
laughed and cried
were mother, father, friend
lover, sister, brother
we’ve come toghther
time and time again
and again, and again
In our moment now
that seems so fleeting
we yearn for more time
but we had to find ourselves
before we could recognize each other
Don’t love with regret for time lost
we will meet again
and as long as forever
in eternity endures
my spirit will always find yours
again, and again
and again
~David Woods for Janet Woods
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I Miss You Nana
I watch my grandma
getting shots for the pain
we keep on praying
to keep us all sane.
just before you go to leave
something was shockingly said
something you couldn’t believe
as you were lying on your bed.
the thing you waited for
had finally came true
you were getting a grandson
to add on to the crew.
you looked and smiled
the first smile of that day
then you closed your eyes
and then we started to pray.
Lord take care of her
she deserves the best
make sure she’s happy
as she starts her quest.
on your way to heaven now
to watch over us
then we all start to cry
and say “she’ll watch over us.”
the memory of you
will live forever in our heart
we will always miss you
we missed you from the start.
you memory will live
on as we go our own way
but you were never gone
in a way, you chose to stay.
your our angel now
to show us right from wrong
just as you were in life
now your 10 times strong.
I miss you Nana!
~Kristina Hamilton
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Merry Christmas, Daddy
I remember when I got the call, that cold Novermer night.
I never thought it would happen to me- No! This can’t be right!
We raced through town straight to your house to see if it was true.
When we arrived cops blocked the door saying “there was nothing we could do”.
I dropped to my knees and hit the ground, screaming to above,
“Is this how you show you care?! Is this how you choose to love?!”
I looked to the stars in search of you, hoping for comfort there.
All I saw was midnight blue, the sky was cold and bare.
The next few days were all a blur, I don’t remember much.
I was lost in my kaleidoscope, reality was out of touch.
The planning and preparation was mostly up to me.
I stood my ground and hid my tears, I was as strong as I could be.
But soon people stopped coming by, there was no more ringing of the phone.
The house became very very quiet. I cried and felt alone.
When I visit you it’s not the same, it’s not like your even there.
I stare at a mound of dirt and think, “but if not here then where?”.
Where had my Daddy gone? No one really knows.
Why’d he choose to never see me again? Or why did he want to go?
My Daddy has the reasons, and to him he feels they’re good.
No one needs to understand, no one probably could.
My Dad’s home now and doesn’t hurt, he’s happy as can be.
He finally let go of all the bad, and now his soul is free.
I miss you Daddy, and cry alot. My heart hurts everyday.
I wish that I could get you back, there are so many things I’d say.
I would say all I never said when I had the chance and when you were still here.
Every word would leave my heart enveloped in a tear.
Merry Christmas, Daddy. Think of me. I’m not the same without you,
However, I will manage till we meet again,
Love, Your Sister Sue…
~Written for Eric by Amanda, a.k.a Sister Sue. age 15
________________________________________________________________________
Our Rae of Sunshine
Our Ray of Hope
It was on that awful cold winters day,
God took you home to heaven to stay
I cried and cried when you went away.
But alas, I have come to learn
It was Him calling, it was your turn.
For God was missing an Angel so He chose you,
Best Darling Angel we ever knew!
We understand it just had to be
God has taken you to heaven and now you are free free free.
Free from Pain,
Free to run, free to dance and play again.
We really are missing you
We miss all the little things you do.
But we understand
You are there in his precious hand.
Go prepare a place for us
Someday we will join you that we must
Go now my sweet one, dearest Rae
We are thinking of you in every way.
We all hated to see you go
But alas you must rest so.
Into Gods hands we place the very best,
Rest now sweet Rae and twice be blessed
You brought us so much happiness.
Till we meet again
we will think of you often.
On that you can depend,
You were our very special angel, daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister, friend.
We understood you were only on loan,
Now dearest Rae you are home.
In the somber light of the waning moon
God took you home way too soon
It’s losing you we regret,
God had His plans for you already set.
~Shirley Mercier
________________________________________________________________________
To Grandma
Grandma, I thought this day would never come,
You were my Hero and you were my mother,
You provided your protection and your guidance,
Not only to me but to so many others,
You always did the best that you could
And you always gave the best,
We will always remember your words,
For we were the ones truly blessed.
We will remember the times you made us laugh,
And the times you made us cry,
We will remember how you lived,
And the look of your caring eyes.
I will miss the touch of your soft hands
And the way they healed my heart,
I will remember your beautiful smile,
And your sense of humor, was a world apart.
We will miss the sound of your voice,
And the directions you always gave,
You’d tell us to always be strong,
And you’d tell us to always to behave,
I will miss the stories you would share,
And the long talks at your kitchen table,
I will miss the happiness you showed,
With every new grandchild you cradled.
Grandma, You will be missed,
But in our hearts you will forever live,
In our time of sorrow and pain,
Memories of your strength we will now relive,
Our hearts may be heavy
And we may shed some tears,
But our spirit rejoices, for you are with God
And now you have nothing to fear,
No more worries, no more sorrows,
No more hurt and no more pain,
In the kingdom of Heaven you now stand,
Our love for you will forever remain.
To our mother, to our sister, to our auntie,
To our friend, and to our dear loved one,
We thank you for your time, for your love, for your lessons,
For your kindness, or your prayers. Now! your job is done.
We LOVE YOU!!!
~”Dovie” Salaba
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lost
what is the meaning of the word lost???
is it what i am now you’re gone?
the feeling of lonliness and never knowing who your real friends are…
not knowing who your real identity is… t
he crying of your empty heart…
now that there’s a hole there.
always hoping today will be your last.
but i have to go on… k
nowing your never coming back…
knowing i never said a proper goodbye
never knowing if and when this pain will stop…
the anger and sadness that is building up inside,
is beginning to tear me apart…
the tears wont cease…
they keep pouring out….
im drowning.
there is no need for me to be in this young and healthy body anymore,
it paints a perfect picture…
but if u dig deep…
past the fake smiles and phony laughs…
you will see a sad soul trapped in a cage…
longing for release…
you will see that im lost without you dad.
~Carol Murray
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Daddy’s Little Girl
Blonde haired, blue-eyed angel
That’s Daddy’s little girl
He quickly held her close to him
When she came into this world
With loving hands and a gentle heart
He taught her right from wrong
However, before she knew it
Her Daddy would be gone
For her Daddy was very sick
Even though it was hard to understand
Until that dreadful day in May
When God took him by the hand
Now her Daddy’s gone from Earth
And when she calls his name
He doesn’t come running to her anymore
Yet she loves him just the same
Daddy’s little girl, thankful for her Dad
Has peace in knowing, he’s in a good place
Even though she’ll miss hearing his voice
And seeing his smiling face
For Daddy’s little girl, now out on her own
Has to settle for the memories of the man
And raise his grandsons to know him
The best way that she can
How desperately she’d love to have
Her Daddy here with her
She didn’t know how dark the demons
That her Daddy carried were
Daddy’s little girl is so lost without him being near
Even though it’s hard for her, she comprehends
No matter how much you love someone
One day their time here ends
I’ll always be your little girl Daddy
My love for you will never part
For you reside with Jesus now
And forever in my heart
Love always,
~Shelly Marie
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Hear My Echoes
When western slopes become first lit
I’ll to the tops where the wild wind blows
To watch the sky
To feel the earth
To wander by the wild hedge
And there I’ll feed my soul
So future man do not fear
When my ghost to you is near
For just like you upon a time
I walked this way and dreamt my dreams
~Notton Friar
________________________________________________________________________
With Love, Nan and Grandpa
As I lie here in my sanctuary,
2 cats upon my knee,
With little bugs beneath me,
I whisper the name of thee.
Dark is fast approaching,
So i clench my hands and pray to see,
Tucked inside a giant wing,
I whisper the name of thee.
Pictures begin to show,
Memories begin to unravel,
It is you i see, from head to toe,
Just as if you did not go
Now that the light begins the fade,
And the journey has been spent,
I know i can awaken safe and sound,
As my love has just been sent.
~Sarah S.
________________________________________________________________________
In Memory of Our Daughter Who Died of Breast Cancer
Her eyes were dim and glassy as she gazed into the sky,
She knew she was getting weaker, she knew that she would die.
The Lord wrapped his arms around her and took her by the hand,
He said “Come with Me, my darling, to God’s Eternal land.
The years have passed so quickly and still we miss you so,
There are times we can hardly wait til it’s our time to go.
We know God picks the time and place to take our loved ones home,
But it is so hard to accept the loss when it is one of your very own.
We know others have lost their loved ones, and this we can’t explain
And we know it must break God’s heart to see his children in such pain.
We cannot judge what happens when tears and questions start,
We only see what is visible, but God sees into the heart.
The last night that we spent with you, you were so weak you could not speak,
But you formed the words “I Love You” as we wiped tears from your frail, thin cheek.
Your dreams didn’t get accomplished, you didn’t get to raise your kids,
But you left a lasting impression on all you said and did.
You are now our special angel, and as for daughters, we still feel we have four,
Cause your are still a special part of our family, you just don’t live with us anymore.
Our smiles try to hide our heartaches and we say we are doing fine,
But to those who have experienced death know how it changes you in time.
Every day we are reminded of the good things that you did,
You cared so much for others, especially unfortunate kids.
Family dinners aren’t as lucious without your salads that used to be,
You had that extra little touch to make them special, you see.
The advice and help you gave the kids, you knew just what to say,
And they knew they better listen when you told them to obey.
To some you are forgotten, to others just a dream,
But to us who love and miss you those memories ripple like a stream.
God looked around his garden and saw an empty space,
He then took a look around the earth and saw your suffering face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest,
God’s garden must be beautiful, cause He only takes the best.
You tried your best to teach us before you went away,
We now have a better understanding of what you tried to say.
Please always know we love you and no one can take your place,
Tho’ many years can come and go your memory will never be erased.
So when each day stats without you, we won’t seem so far apart,
Cuz every time we think of you, you will be right here in our heart.
So Jesus if you are listening in your home from up above,
Would you kiss our darling daughter and give her all our love.
~ J.P.
________________________________________________________________________
To Nanny
I love you Nanny,
Please don’t cry.
I didn’t mean to die, I
tried to stay,
But the Angels came.
I heard them call my name.
I only followed,
I just wanted to see,
If their wings suited me.
It was fun,
I wanted to play,
I didn’t know I’d have to stay.
I am really sorry
I have made you sad,
I didn’t mean to be so bad.
I want so much,
To be very good.
Like you told me I should.
I wish I knew
Of the Angel dangers,
I was too busy avoiding strangers.
Now you’re upset
And it’s because of me
If only I could make you see
You’d be so proud
Of how well I fly
I didn’t even have to try
A born natural,
Or so I’m told.
Even though I’m not very old.
I’ve got a job,
And I like it too.
I’m the angel watching over you.
So you see Nanny
Please dry your eyes,
I’m glad I tried those wings for size.
~H.W.
January 2006
________________________________________________________________________
My Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
with tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular; please wipe away that tear,
for I am spending Christmas with Jesus this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
but the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
for it’s beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart,
but I am not so far away. We really aren’t apart.
So, be happy for me dear ones, for you know I’m spending Christmas with Jesus this year.
I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above:
“My undying love!”
After all, “love” is the gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do,
for I can’t count the many blessings or love He has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I’m spending Christmas with Jesus this year.
~Wanda Bencke
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My True Home
Drawn into tangible darkness,
Rushing high speed through a tunnel.
I’m somewhere between two worlds
Spiraling like water through a funnel.
I see a pinpoint of light in the distance,
Growing larger the closer I get.
But for some strange reason I’m not afraid?
And see it not as being a threat.
Entering into a realm so soothing
Of radiant, golden-white light,
Peace and warmth pours over my spirit,
It’s so beautifully – beautifully bright.
Moving with the flow of fine silk,
My translucent body glows;
Like thousands of tiny diamonds
They sparkle and superimpose.
A floodgate of knowledge has been opened,
With infinite waves of love;
There’s a pageantry of dramatic colors here
That just could never be dreamed of?
I see miraculous mountains of deep blue velvet
And spectacular valleys galore;
A waterfall dazzles with clarity and life,
This Elysian area I’d love to explore!
Drifting next into a garden,
With swaying grass so crisp, cool, and green;
The luminescent flowers pulsate,
Their shades so completely serene;
I hear music playing of harmonic beauty
That rolls like a glassy river.
Enchanting, mystical tones,
That would make any man alive shiver.
Then suddenly, I see someone in the distance,
Coming towards me to reunite.
This whistling persons emanating glow,
Is such a comforting and glorious sight?
When I can finally distinguish who it is,
I realize it’s my Grandpap Jack.
He tells me that it’s not yet my time,
And that I must now . . . go back.
I could stay an eternity at this divine place
From just these few things that I’ve been shown;
But I know one great day for sure I’ll be back,
Because I believe this is my true home.
Thanks to the author, Andrew Harley
Till The Dreaming’s Done: Poems Crafted For Thinking People (2005)
________________________________________________________________________
To Mom-Mom Maryann and Pop-Pop Sam
You Always
You always are there when I feel bad,
You always help when times are bad.
You always encourage me when I’m down,
You raised me to never frown.
You always are near when I’m far,
You always are in my heart.
~Bianca
________________________________________________________________________
I’ve Seen Her
I’ve seen my love; I’ve seen her pass, S
he walks with such a grace.
She turned and smiled across at me,
The sun upon her face.
And I could swear I caught the scent,
The fragrance of her hair.
Could I believe – should I believe,
Her spirit blessed me there?
Her eyes so bright, they shone with love,
No pain to cloud them now,
And when she laughed, no line was seen,
Across that perfect brow.
Oh love, if you would only wait,
Beyond the tears and pain,
We’ll walk together, hand in hand,
In love,
In peace,
Again.
~David George
August 2005
________________________________________________________________________
Light a Candle
Light a candle for those we mourn.
Into a new life they will be born.
Do not look for them at the gravesite.
They are somewhere else radiating their beautiful light.
They have gone to a new world where there is no darkness, no pain.
Their light and essence will always remain.
Light a candle for those who have left this mortal place.
They are free to travel through time and space.
When we think of them, they are near.
When we sit in a beautiful garden.
Their voices we hear.
When we listen to a divine symphony,
We close our eyes, their faces we see.
Light a candle for they have not really gone.
With each flickering flame, in your hearts they will always belong.
© A.Pell 24/08/2005
________________________________________________________________________
In memory of my mother, Mary Estelle
You were a precious gift from God above,
so much beauty, grace and love.
You touched our hearts in so many ways,
your smile so bright even on the bad days.
You heard God’s whisper calling you home,
you didn’t want to go and leave us alone.
You loved us so much, you held on tight,
till all the stregnth was gone and you could no longer fight.
He had called your name twice before,
you knew you couldn’t make him wait anymore.
So you gave your hand to God and slowly drifted away,
knowing that with our love we will be together again some day.
________________________________________________________________________
Upon a white pony
For Amy Keogh
Upon a white pony, her presence did appear,
An Energy of light, her love we drew so near:
A princess with out limit, no hurdles did she see,
Every morrow did she rise, to full our hearts with glee.
A gentle strength of wind, she sweep away our fear,
With a wave of her hand our pain did disappear:
This promise from an angle, a promise made by she,
To adorn her sleeve a heart, plain for all to see
Though inside lay a warrior, this one you may not know,
One determined and unshaken, one who could battle any foe:
All acumen of men, thus one could not deceive,
The samurai among us, with the power to believe,
None dared harm this damsel, a place one could not go,
No sword could she not rise, no seed could she not sow;
O‚ sprit of this princess, the spirit to achieve
The spirits of our sister, o spirit do not leave
No prose does exist that could take away this pain,
For one we held so near, our love shall never wane,
But all must one day pass, and each day should flee
Each angel one day flys and now so must she.
She was our sunshine, our sweet November rain,
Our love is eternal, and our love we can not feign,
So what dreams may come, where ever she may be
Upon a white pony she will be riding there with me
~love Ella
xoxo wish u were still here
________________________________________________________________________
Our death is our wedding
Our death is our wedding with eternity.
What is the secret? “God is One.”
The sunlight splits when entering the windows of the house.
This multiplicity exists in the cluster of grapes;
It is not in the juice made from the grapes.
For he who is living in the Light of God,
The death of the carnal soul is a blessing.
Regarding him, say neither bad nor good,
For he is gone beyond the good and the bad.
~Rumi (Mystic Odes 833)
________________________________________________________________________
To One Gone Too Soon
Little angel, sent from God
To a desperate mother in need,
You touched the hearts of those you loved,
With every word and deed.
The pain you suffered and endured,
Would have conquered a weaker soul
Your willful, stubborn, hope-filled heart
Placed you in a stronger role
Twenty-two precious years
You nurtured love in a woman void
You gave her love, and life and hope
And kept her spirits buoyed.
Now in heaven, Sarah, please,
Keep watch o’er your dearest mother
And always remember, won’t you please
You were loved like no other.
________________________________________________________________________
The Broken Chain
We little knew the day that
God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly,
in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
but in God we put our trust,
In times as difficult as this,
faith is such a must.
You left us peaceful memories,
your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.
~Ron Tranmer
________________________________________________________________________
The Stranger
Death will the body
And the body’s hope of time;
Death will undo
Faith that depends upon another’s word
And has not felt the fire
Credulity that passes for belief,
The airy gallantry, the phantasies
Of the enthusing spirit,
Promise and pretension and pretences–
Death will undo all these.
All these are gossamer.
There yet remains
The indestructible principle, the stranger,
Little regarded in the masque of life,
But now, as blood turns cold,
One by whose eye we see
Essential things, One by whose nature
We know ourselves undying,
One by whose word, had we but heeded it,
We might have understood much earlier
What only now we know.
Death frees the stranger in us. He is I.
~Anonymous
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To My Dearest Family
Some things I’d like to say
but first of all to let you know
that I arrived okay
I’m writing this from Heaven
where I dwell with God above
where there’s no more tears
or sadness there
is just eternal love
Please do not be unhappy
just because I’m out of sight
remember that I’m with you
every morning, noon and night
That day I had to leave you
when my life on Earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said I welcome you
It’s good to have you back again
you were missed while you were gone
as for your dearest family
they’ll be here later on
I need you here so badly
as part of My big plan
there’s so much that we have to do
to help our mortal man
Then God gave me a list of things
He wished for me to do
and foremost on that list of mine
is to watch and care for you
And I will be beside you
every day and week and year
and when you’re sad
I’m standing there
to wipe away the tear
And when you lie in bed at night
the days chores put to flight
God and I are closest to you
in the middle of the night
When you think of my life on Earth
and all those loving years
because you’re only human
they are bound to bring you tears
But do not be afraid to cry
it does relieve the pain
remember there would be no flowers
unless there was some rain
I wish that I could tell you
of all that God has planned
but if I were to tell you
you wouldn’t understand
But one thing is for certain
though my life on Earth is o’re
I am closer to you now
than I ever was before
And to my very many friends
trust God knows what is best
I’m still not far away from you
I’m just beyond the crest
There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb
but together we can do it
taking one day at a time
It was always my philosophy
and I’d like it for you too
that as you give unto the World
so the World will give to you
If you can help somebody
who is in sorrow or in pain
then you can say to God at night
my day was not in vain
And now I am contented
that my life it was worthwhile
knowing as I passed along the way
I made somebody smile
So if you meet somebody
who is down and feeling low
just lend a hand to pick him up
as on your way you go
When you are walking
down the street
and you’ve got me on your mind
I’m walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind
And when you feel the gentle breeze
or the wind upon your face
that’s me giving you a great big hug
or just a soft embrace
And when it’s time for you to go
from that body to be free
remember you’re not going
you are coming here to me
And I will always love you
from that land way up above
Will be in touch again soon
P.S. God sends His Love
~Author Unknown
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To Those I Love
To go along the Silent Way, grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk
Of me as if I were beside you there.
(I’d come-I’d come, could I but find a way!
But would not tears and grief be barriers?)
And when you hear a song or see a bird
I loved, please do not let the thought of me
Be sad …. For I am loving you just as
I always have … You were so good, to me!
There are so many things I wanted still
To do — so many things to say to you …
Remember that I did not fear … It was
Just leaving you that was so hard to face …
We cannot see Beyond.. But this I know:
I loved you so – ’twas heaven here with you!
~Ardis Marletta
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I Can’t Remember
Just a line to say I’m living
That I’m not among the dead
Though I’m getting more forgetful
And mixed up in my head.
I got used to arthritis,
To my dentures I’m resigned,
I can manage my bifocals,
But God, I miss my mind.
For sometimes I can’t remember,
When I stand at the foot of the stair
If I must go up for something
Or have I just come down from there?
And before the frig so often,
My poor mind is filled with doubt,
Have I just put the food away,
Or have I come to take some out?
And there’s the time when it is dark
With my nightcap on my head,
I don’t know if I’m retiring,
Or just getting out of bed.
If it’s my turn to write you,
There’s no need for getting sore,
I may think that I have written
And don’t want to be a bore.
Remember that I love you
And wish that you were near.
Now it is nearly mail time,
So I must say goodbye dear.
There I stand beside the mailbox,
With face so very red,
Instead of mailing you my letter,
I had opened it instead.
~Author Unknown
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If I Knew
If I knew it would be the last time
That I’d see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time
I’d hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.
If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute to stop and say “I love you,”
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.
If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
well I’m sure you’ll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.
For surely there’s always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.
There will always be another day to say “I love you,”
And certainly there’s another chance to say our “Anything I can do?”
But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get,
I’d like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget.
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.
So if you’re waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes, you’ll surely regret the day,
That you didn’t take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish.
So hold your loved ones close today, and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them and that you’ll always hold them dear
Take time to say “I’m sorry,” “Please forgive me,” “Thank you,” or “It’s okay.”
And if tomorrow never comes, you’ll have no regrets about today.
~Anonymous from the Internet
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Love never disappears for death is a non-event.
I have merely retired to the room next door.
You and I are the same; what we were for each other, we still are.
Speak to me as you always have, do not use a different tone, do not be sad.
Continue to laugh at what made us laugh.
Smile and think of me.
Life means what it has always meant.
The link is not severed.
Why should I be out of your soul if I am out of your sight?
I will wait for you, I am not here, but just on the other side of this path.
You see, all is well.
~St. Augustine
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An Old Lady’s Poem
What do you see, nurses, what do you see?
What are you thinking when you’re looking at me?
A crabby old woman, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles her food and makes no reply
When you say in a loud voice, “I do wish you’d try!”
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
And forever is losing a stocking or shoe…..
Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill….
Is that what you’re thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse; you’re not looking at me.
I’ll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your swill.
I’m a small child of ten…with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters, who I ! love one another.
A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet,
Dreaming that soon now a lover she’ll meet.
A bride soon at twenty — my heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now, I have young of my own,
Who need me to guide and a secure happy home.
A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my man’s beside me to see I don’t mourn.
At fifty once more, babies play round my knee,
Again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead;
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own,
And I think of the years and the love that I’ve known.
I’m now an old woman…and nature is cruel;
‘Tis jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
And I’m loving and living life over again.
I think of the years ….all too few, gone too fast,
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, nurses, open and see, …
Not a crabby old woman; look closer…see ME!!
—Anonymous
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Angels
When you were born, an angel smiled,
As you became a child, an angel sat on your shoulder
When you became an adult, an angel held your hand
As you grew old, an angel walked down the road with you,
And, when you died, another angel got their wings.
~Unknown
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Thank You, God
Thank You, God, for giving
Me the gift of living
In this curious, strange
World where all things change
And where I can grow to be
My best and utmost me.
Thank You that I desire
Always to mount up higher
And be something more
Than I have been before,
And thank You for my mind
That always seeks to find
The beautiful and true
And be one with You.
© James Dillet Freeman
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DESIDERATA
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars. You have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive God to be; and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
~Old St. Paul’s Church, Baltimore 1692
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The Traveler
She has put on invisibility.
Dear Lord, I cannot see–
But this I know, although the road ascends
And passes from my sight,
That there will be no night;
That You will take her gently by the hand
And lead her on
Along the road of life that never ends,
And she will find it is not death but dawn.
I do not doubt that You are there as here,
And you will hold her dear.
Our life did not begin with birth,
It is not of the earth;
And this that we call death, it is no more
Than the opening and closing of a door
And in Your house how many rooms must be
Beyond this one where we rest momentarily.
Dear Lord, I thank You for the faith that frees,
The love that knows it cannot lose its own;
The love that, looking through the shadows,
sees
That You and she and I are ever one!
~James Dillet Freeman (Unity School of Christianity, Unity Village, Missouri)
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